Chinese New Year Celebration

Although bitterly cold in Boston, people lined the streets of Chinatown to watch the annual Lion Dance Parade on February 21st. Adults clutched coffee cups and children, bundled up like marshmallows, sat on parent's shoulders, relaxed in carriages, and danced in the street.

Joe Wang and Brandon Zeng brought their children to partake in the festivities. "It's about luck," Wang said. Zeng's daughter tousled his hair as she watched in awe at the men, dressed as dragons, marched down the street.

Drums thumped as performers dressed as lions and dragons paraded through the streets. In vibrantly colored costumes the magnificent display portrayed the rich Chinese tradition for spectators. Marking the eighth day of the Chinese New Year, the Lion Dance Parade is a time-honored tradition believed to bring luck to those in attendance.